Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Jobs and Money
Jobs and money are circularly connected--no matter how you look at it, what you believe, or what platform you stand on. Every dollar spent can be connected to a job.
So, I just finished watching the President's speech (9/08/11) on how to stimulate the economy, stimulate small businesses, and put people back to work. The Jobs Bill makes sense and if people will take their blinders off and stop positioning on sides, look at the facts, there are many ways to make it happen! The President made one key comment: The American people cannot wait 14 months...they need help NOW. He is so right!
I am making significantly less money in 2011 than I was making in 2008. Personally speaking, I have been making the exact same salary since 2008...yep, no raise, no additional bonus, for four years. And, with the increased cost of living each year--food, gas, utilities--I am actually making much less now than I did in 2008, even though the salary figure is the same. Now, I have been trying to count my blessings and not complain...I have a good job, with some significant pros--close to home, great group of co-workers, great location, etc., etc...especially when so many, many others are unemployed, have been laid off, or had hours reduced...but as each day passes, the pros are being significantly impacted by the cons. The stress is unbelievable. Back in 2008 when I started making this salary, I was bumped up into a higher tax bracket, so after the first year, the take home pay amount each year has been less and less. And, in 2010 when I had to switch jobs, I was no longer provided any health benefits through my employer....that is a huge impact on a paycheck when you have to pay for that out of your own pocket at 100%...and, three months after that, my husbands employer changed their health benefits package, and in order to keep the same monthly deductions so as not to decrease his paycheck, we had to agree to a $6,000 annual deductible! Two months after that change, our daughter was injured in a college soccer game, costing more than $2500 in ER/health expenses that have to come right out of our pockets...oh, and because I received a "bonus" last year (I’ll explain the quotes laters), I just received two IRS tax bills totalling $2800, because I was not allowed to take the two tax credits in 2010 that I had taken in 2008 and 2009...WTF? So, when I add all that up, I am actually making $15,000 less this year, than last year. I know, I know, I got a bonus right? Yes, I did, but a bonus means, just that, bonus--meaning, in addition to, windfall, extra, supplemental--something you could put in a savings account, or add to your retirement, or even buy something extravagant...it should NOT have to be absorbed by paying bills, making tax payments, or buying groceries--those are monthly expenses that should be covered by a paycheck, and a bonus should be a "safety" net/emergency fund if needed. And, a bonus should not cause your taxes to be increased to make it completely null and void. A pay raise allows you to adjust your tax deductions over the year to try to circumvent a tax burden later...a bonus doesn't allow for that and can make a very negative impact. Working your way up through a company with promotions, or pay raises and bonuses is what most of us all work for everyday...it’s the workers reason for going to work everyday…that one day we will be in a different, better place…but, without that there is no way to make a difference. Not being able to take any steps forward is NOT what we work for...Its very frustrating and stressful!
I'm sure you are thinking that I should ask for a raise in my next review/anniversary date. And, I would agree with you, if I believed in doing that or if I had ever had to do that before...I have always been recognized for my efforts and each and every employer, even the evil ones, rewarded me with significant pay raises and bonuses. I believe an employer that has benefited from my work product and received significant positive results, should recognize it and reward it with an offer of a raise vs. having to ask for one. It is their responsibility to do so...and when results have exceeded expectations, a bonus should be provided as well...(FYI-most companies give bonuses so they don't have to pay taxes on the revenue.). So, asking for a raise is really not something I feel I, or any employee should have to do...but, unfortunately, there are business owners that also don’t believe in giving raises, only year end bonuses...they want to be able to give bonuses at the end of the year vs. paying employees at a higher rate...this is very short-sighted...I can appreciate trying to protect the company and the greater good, by ensuring that jobs can be protected if spending is kept to a minimum--that is totally fair. However, I strongly believe, actually I can attest to the fact that the stress on the employees is far, far greater than any unknown. Morale suffers, quality of life suffers, and work product suffers. And, when bonuses are no longer the advantage they once were, they can even become an insult. Showing employees that they are valuable and are an asset is done through appropriate pay and bonuses are just an added example of how much they are appreciated...the work wouldn't get done without them. Other perks and “benefits” are just icing on the cake, and are what sets employers apart to attract and retain this talent. But, I’m digressing…that’s a topic for another day. For now, it is critical that workers at all levels – C-Suite to Mailroom work and make appropriate wages, pay fair share taxes, and have discretionary income to energize the economy. Jobs and money are circular.
So, I know that my situation may not appear to be exactly what the President was talking about, but some of the issues I am dealing with are directly related to the job and economy issues we all are suffering from today. The President was right, as an American and a worker, we need help now!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A Writer's Confession
Well, I have a confession to make. It's not one that will matter to most I believe, but it is still something that I feel I need to share.
Before I started to blog, I used to write a journal. Random thoughts and topics that ranged from simple daily events or conversations, like a funny outfit someone was wearing or a bad driver, to more serious topics that involved situations I was subjected to or part of during a time period, like a personal identity theft case and a boss that stole money from vendors, business, etc. I used this journal writing as a way to exercise my brain, vent my frustrations and anger, and as a way to remember something I feared I might forget later in life. And, as I wrote, I found that expressing some topics were not only helpful to me, but to others when I would share a note or make conversation about how I was coping with certain issues, concerns, etc...and even with the happier stories I would share that were pure comedy in some instances...as we know laughter is the best medicine. So, when blogging became a more widely used and accepted practice by amateur writers, I was encouraged to share my journal writings and experiences via a blog of my own.
So, my confession is that some of my posts are not truly recent. Since it took me two years to actually start a blog, my writings up to this past week are dated. I know, I know, whats the big deal-right? Well, for me its more about just being completely honest and open about the topics. A lot of my posts are a couple of years old and are just writings I shared to see if this blog thing was really for me...I was in a really dark place between 2006 and 2010 with the identity theft case I was trying to overcome--yes, a so-called friend stole thousands and thousands of dollars from me and even though that seems to be a horrible experience, the actual experience of trying to prove it, resolve it and clear it up with the banks, the credit card companies, as well as the financial burden of the legal process itself, was the absolute worst thing I have ever gone through...banks and credit card companies are EVIL and the legal system is truly screwed up...guilty until proven innocent unless you are the criminal, then you are innocent until proven guilty...it is unbelievably crazy!--so a very dark place in deed, as well as watching friends losing jobs left and right, while I was working for an evil bastard, fearful that my reputation would be tarnished or I would even lose my job because I wouldn't participate in the criminal behavior--was all on top of that. I tried very hard to not let this darkness consume me and the one key way to work it out was to write about it...to get it out of my system somehow...I didn't want to constantly burden my family and friends talking about it, so I just starting writing in journals...and it helped.
So, these stories, experiences, topics are what I used to make my first few posts on this blog...I wasn't sure how to blog, what to blog, or even if blogging was for me...so I pulled stories and details from my past that I knew I could use and get experience on this new way of communicating/writing in a more public forum. And, also, since I have been speaking with a publisher about the identity theft case and the potential for using that as the foundation of a book, I wanted to see if I could gain any momentum or additional experience writing where it could be more quickly judged. So, the book is another reason I wanted to be clear...I really am sensitive to the perception of deceiving, and I wouldn't want anyone to think that's what I was doing. So that's my confession...I feel that I needed to come clean about it. I felt that I wasn't being upfront and honest and am also trying to move on from the past. And, now that I'm getting the hang of this blogging and social networking thing, I have been doing better lately...I've been using more recent/current topics that I have a true joy, interest or passion about--like fashion, or networking/socializing, sports, even helping friends find jobs, etc. to write about and am finding additional inspiration from other bloggers and online writers.
I'm truly enjoying writing my blog and even though I don't get to it as often as I would like, I promise that I will write about current happenings or topics, or if I pull a story from my journal, I will certainly make note of its history.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
G as in Guilt
Most social network users have several hundred friends, contacts, connections, followers, and probably that or more email addresses that they communicate with every day. So why would any ONE person believe that comments, posts, tweets, etc. published unless directly sent to them, are about them?
My sister told me that she has received messages/posts from a person who is connected to her via other friends/followers, etc., and this person believes my sister's posts and tweets are about and directed at her. Why would this person think this way? Out of the hundreds of other people associated with my sister, not just on these social networks, but in my sister's circle of family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances, why would these posts/tweets/messages be about ONE person? And, out of the thousands of activities, topics, issues, events that happen throughout a day that typically cause a post/tweet/message, how can this person believe so singularly? Now, we’ve all posted things that may be directed at, about, or involve a person, situation or issue…but to believe that “you” are the brunt of the majority of posts/tweets/messages is insane. It is absolutely absurd...and, in addition to being incredibly self-absorbed, I believe it's a pretty easy explanation...
...GUILT! It is apparent to me that this person is guilty of doing exactly what my sister is being accused of...this person is obviously guilty of the actions she thinks are directed at her…being nosy, spreading rumors, talking about someone, negatively judging, and/or publishing posts/tweets/comments about others, and probably my sister, most likely. Those that are quick to make these judgements, are usually participating in that same or worse behavior. Now, I'm not saying my sister is a saint, or any of us for that matter, as we have all taken part in some sort of gossip, rumor spreading, assumptions, and judgements...we are all human, but it is rare that posts/tweets/comments published on social platforms everyday are consistently about one person from your "list"...Any person that believes so is obviously insecure, possibly a little paranoid, and could also have other issues such as being untrustworthy, dishonest and disloyal themselves...because this person is regularly participating in this kind of behavior. I’ve run across these types before, the first ones to cry fowl, are also the first ones to be leery of…everything is about them, everything revolves around them, and everyone should be in awe of them…never sees fault in their actions, but is the first to point out the faults of others.
So my sister asked me if I thought she should lock down or even close down her FB or other social networks because of the situation with this person. Absolutely NOT! Do not allow the issues this person possesses to be projected onto you…you have done nothing wrong or to feel guilty about…this is not your problem, it is their problem. They have other, bigger issues than FB posts, tweets and messages that they perceive to be about them…don't let the insecurities and paranoia of another person cause you to react. I had this boss (which I hated by the way) years ago that used to say, “Perception is reality”…BAH! No, in my world and in actuality, Reality is Reality…people with issues use this as an excuse. I can’t control your perceptions and cannot dissuade you from believing what you want to believe if you are always right and everyone else is always wrong. People that know me, know my sister, don't have any issues with our reality...it's those that think they know, consider themselves the authority or are so self-absorbed, that they are the only ones that matter, have an opinion and should be viewed by others as such. Sorry...no. So, at the end of the day, if you feel that comments/post/messages are always about you, then you are most likely guilty of something that is making you perceive it that way…it is not reality. It is GUILT.
My sister told me that she has received messages/posts from a person who is connected to her via other friends/followers, etc., and this person believes my sister's posts and tweets are about and directed at her. Why would this person think this way? Out of the hundreds of other people associated with my sister, not just on these social networks, but in my sister's circle of family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances, why would these posts/tweets/messages be about ONE person? And, out of the thousands of activities, topics, issues, events that happen throughout a day that typically cause a post/tweet/message, how can this person believe so singularly? Now, we’ve all posted things that may be directed at, about, or involve a person, situation or issue…but to believe that “you” are the brunt of the majority of posts/tweets/messages is insane. It is absolutely absurd...and, in addition to being incredibly self-absorbed, I believe it's a pretty easy explanation...
...GUILT! It is apparent to me that this person is guilty of doing exactly what my sister is being accused of...this person is obviously guilty of the actions she thinks are directed at her…being nosy, spreading rumors, talking about someone, negatively judging, and/or publishing posts/tweets/comments about others, and probably my sister, most likely. Those that are quick to make these judgements, are usually participating in that same or worse behavior. Now, I'm not saying my sister is a saint, or any of us for that matter, as we have all taken part in some sort of gossip, rumor spreading, assumptions, and judgements...we are all human, but it is rare that posts/tweets/comments published on social platforms everyday are consistently about one person from your "list"...Any person that believes so is obviously insecure, possibly a little paranoid, and could also have other issues such as being untrustworthy, dishonest and disloyal themselves...because this person is regularly participating in this kind of behavior. I’ve run across these types before, the first ones to cry fowl, are also the first ones to be leery of…everything is about them, everything revolves around them, and everyone should be in awe of them…never sees fault in their actions, but is the first to point out the faults of others.
So my sister asked me if I thought she should lock down or even close down her FB or other social networks because of the situation with this person. Absolutely NOT! Do not allow the issues this person possesses to be projected onto you…you have done nothing wrong or to feel guilty about…this is not your problem, it is their problem. They have other, bigger issues than FB posts, tweets and messages that they perceive to be about them…don't let the insecurities and paranoia of another person cause you to react. I had this boss (which I hated by the way) years ago that used to say, “Perception is reality”…BAH! No, in my world and in actuality, Reality is Reality…people with issues use this as an excuse. I can’t control your perceptions and cannot dissuade you from believing what you want to believe if you are always right and everyone else is always wrong. People that know me, know my sister, don't have any issues with our reality...it's those that think they know, consider themselves the authority or are so self-absorbed, that they are the only ones that matter, have an opinion and should be viewed by others as such. Sorry...no. So, at the end of the day, if you feel that comments/post/messages are always about you, then you are most likely guilty of something that is making you perceive it that way…it is not reality. It is GUILT.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)